Textbook Information: No textbook is required to complete this certificate program.

Program Description: The Online NY Professional Development Certificate I program of study provides 15 clock hours of approved training required by employees and those responsible for developing, directing and supervising the daily activity programs for children in registered or group family day care, school-age child care, and day care centers in the state of NY. Content in the NY Professional Development Certificate I correlates to the (9) nine NY Training Topic Areas. (Note: Students who complete NY Professional Development Certificates I and II will satisfy the 30 hour NY mandated training requirement that must be completed every two (2) years.)

Program Objectives: Upon satisfactorily completing the Online NY Professional Development Certificate I program, students should be able to:

Identify recommended practices for reducing risks and injury in the child care setting

Demonstrate understanding of recommended practices and strategies for promoting optimal physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development

Demonstrate understanding of the responsibilities of a mandated reporter

Define multiculturalism and identify key aspects of a multicultural curriculum

Identify strategies for promoting early literacy skills

Define the term positive guidance and explain why it is valuable for caregivers to use it during the early childhood years

Identify key factors in an effective curriculum

Identify strategies and methods for promoting effective, appropriate communication among adults in the early childhood setting

Student Assessment: Students enrolled in the Online NY Professional Development Certificate I program are assessed using the following methods:

Competency based multiple-choice questions

End of Course Quizzes in multiple-choice format – Students must pass each quiz with a grade of 70% or better to complete the course.

Cumulative Final Exam in multiple-choice format – Students must pass with a grade of 70% or better to complete the certificate program.

Enrollment Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older

Must possess a high school diploma or GED and submit documentation as proof

Must have access to a computer and printer

Must have a valid email address

Must have access to the Internet through a JavaScript enabled web browser (i.e. Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or higher, etc.)

Must be able to speak, read, and write well enough in the language the course is presented in to understand and complete the course material